Jackie Vaughn has been serving the Lockwood Fire Protection District, in the tiny town of Volcano, California, for more than 20 years.

Her brother was the fire chief, and she was asked to come on board as a volunteer when the district was trying to have a tax assessment increase passed. It had been unsuccessful in the past, but Jackie was able to help them convince the community that their parcel assessment should be doubled. Later Jackie ran for the board, eventually serving as board president for a term.